Dive bars - they’re more than just a spot for cheap drinks. They’re community hubs, cultural icons, and spaces brimming with stories. In this episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the charm, history, and evolving culture of dive bars. From their roots as literal underground hangouts to their role as inclusive, welcoming spaces, we explore why these beloved establishments hold a special place in our hearts.

Episode Highlights:

• The Dive Bar Vibe: Discover the history of the term “dive bar” and how these establishments evolved from disreputable dives to cherished community spaces. Learn why dive bars resonate as places of authenticity, camaraderie, and connection.
• Evolving with the Times: Dive bars have always been inclusive, but they’re adapting even more to modern times. We discuss the rise of mixology in these unpolished gems and the growing popularity of non-alcoholic options like those we discovered at The Agency in Milwaukee.
• Stories That Define Them: Behind every dive bar is a tapestry of tales—from the owners who pour their passion into these spaces to the regulars who make them feel at home.
• Looking Ahead: With changing neighborhoods and rising costs, we examine the future of dive bars and how they’re finding ways to stay relevant for new generations.

Special Features:

• Clips from dive bar enthusiasts and owners sharing their unforgettable experiences.
• Personal favorites from Marisa and Sara, including dive bars from their travels.
• Industry insights into the non-alcoholic beverage trend, a growing force in the bar world.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review States of Discovery on your favorite podcast platform. We love hearing from our listeners, so share your own fair memories and suggestions for future episodes with us!

Connect With Us:

• Phone Number: 805-298-1420 - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
• Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Thanks for listening to States of Discovery. Until next time, cheers! 🍻

In this episode of States of Discovery, we're diving headfirst into the world of extreme travel. From sand dune boarding in the Southwest to white water rafting in remote canyons, thrill-seekers across the U.S. are redefining what it means to take a vacation. But what's behind this hunger for adrenaline? And why are others content to sit back and play it safe?

Join us as we explore the psychology of sensation seeking, the most daring destinations in the United States, and the ways we balance risk and reward in travel. Whether you’re a storm chaser, a solo survivalist, or just curious about what drives people to leap from planes or dine suspended in mid-air, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Today’s extreme travel trends: from unique accommodations to once-in-a-lifetime thrill rides
• Adrenaline-fueled U.S. destinations, including National Parks and beyond
• The spectrum of adventure: comparing casual risk-takers to extreme thrill-seekers
• The psychology of thrill-seeking and insights from Psychology Today
• How to test yourself on the Sensation Seeking Scale – past and present
• Real examples of high-risk travel: ice climbing, storm chasing, deep wilderness survival
• The role of cost, comfort, and access in choosing your adventure

Resources Mentioned:

• Sensation Seeking Scale – Zuckerman Test (Classic Version)
• Updated Sensation Seeking Personality Tests
• Psychology Today Article on Thrill-Seeking Behavior

Connect With Us:

• Phone Number: 805-298-1420 - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
• Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Listener Question:
Are you an adrenaline junkie or do you avoid risk altogether? Share your most extreme travel experience—or your most grounded one—by emailing us or tagging us on Instagram!

In this delightfully offbeat episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa take you on a road trip through America’s weirdest museums—the kind of places that make you do a double-take and say, “Wait… this is real?” From preserved medical oddities to mustard-themed exhibits, we explore the strange, specific, and surprisingly educational corners of the museum world.

You’ll learn about:

• The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, home to giant colons and soapified bodies
• The hilariously sincere Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts
• Idaho’s love letter to the potato at the Idaho Potato Museum
• Extraterrestrial encounters at the International UFO Museum in Roswell
• Neon nostalgia at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas
• And yes—even the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin

Plus, we dig into how these wonderfully weird places actually stay open—spoiler: it involves passionate collectors, creative funding, and a whole lot of merch.

Why You'll Love It:

If you’ve ever taken a roadside detour to see the world’s largest ball of twine, this episode is your jam. It’s a celebration of niche passions, local flavor, and the power of the peculiar. Whether you’re into science, food, folklore, or just good ol’ fashioned weirdness, there’s something here for every curious traveler.

Stay Curious:

Got a favorite bizarre museum in the U.S.? Know a hidden gem with an eyebrow-raising backstory? Send it our way! We’re always on the hunt for America’s strangest attractions.

Connect With Us:

• Phone Number: 805-298-1420 - Leave us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
• Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.com